Written by Katie Williams in partnership with Visit Boise
Are you ready for a spud-tacular adventure? If you’re a potato enthusiast or simply want to learn more about Idaho’s state vegetable, the Boise Idaho Potato Trail is the perfect adventure for you! Idaho is known as the top spud-growing state in the nation, and we’ve taken our love for potatoes to a whole new level with the launch of the Boise Idaho®️ Potato Trail.
This potato journey not only allows you to taste unique potato creations around Boise but also rewards you with points that can be redeemed for prizes! Whether you’re tempted by a potato donut or intrigued by the idea of potato beer, the Boise, Idaho Potato Trail has something for every potato lover!
See our Instagram Reel for a quick recap of the Boise Idaho®️ Potato Trail stops we recommend making!
How the Boise Idaho®️ Potato Trail Works:
To kick off your Boise, Idaho Potato Trail adventure, the first step is securing your trail passport. You can sign up for your pass here. Once signed up, you’ll receive your Boise, Idaho Potato Trail passport delivered to your phone via text and email. You can start using it instantly, and there is no app to download. For seamless access, we recommend saving this page to your home screen.
Ensure your location services are activated, and from here on out, each time you explore a new destination on the map, check-in via GPS to accumulate points that contribute to your prize! You’ll see the different prize options on the passport.
To redeem your prize, just stop by the Boise Chamber Office downtown! More information will be provided on the pass once you’ve gained enough points for a prize.
Must-Stops Along the Boise Idaho®️ Potato Trail
The Wylder
Order: Gem State of Mind Pizza and Fingerling Potatoes
The Wylder is a popular lunch and dinner destination that stands out on the Boise, Idaho Potato Trail. Located in downtown Boise, The Wylder is renowned for its delicious pizzas, salads, and cocktails. They’ve also created an innovative twist on Idaho’s potato with their “Gem State of Mind” pizza and locally sourced Fingerling Potatoes. If you find yourself in downtown Boise, this is a fabulous spot to pop in for lunch or dinner. They don’t take reservations, so it’s recommended to arrive early to get your name in for dinner on busier weekends.
Guru Donuts
Order: Idaho Potato Donut
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss stopping at Guru Donuts in downtown Boise’s historic Idanha building. Guru Donuts aren’t your average donuts—they’re like Idaho’s welcoming hug in a pastry. The star of the show here is their gluten-friendly Idaho potato donut! We recommend ordering the Healthy Homer and the Cinnamon Sugar and keeping an eye out for any other potato donut specials! Guru Donuts also serves coffee and other breakfast goodies, so it’s the perfect one-stop shop in the morning.
The Basque Market
Order: Patatas Bravas and the Patata Tortilla
Transport yourself to the flavors of the Basque Country at Boise’s Basque Market—a small restaurant and market on the Basque Block in downtown Boise. Fun fact: Boise has one of the largest populations of Basque people outside of Basque country, so it’s a great place to treat yourself to Basque food! At the Basque Market, you can order all Spanish and Basque dishes, from tapas and paella to bocadillos. While on the Potato Trail, we recommend ordering their delicious Patata Tortilla, Tortilla a la Carte, or the bold and spicy Patatas Bravas. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or are curious about global flavors, the Basque Market is a great space to try Spanish and Basque food in the heart of Boise.
Pie Hole
Order: Potato/Bacon Pizza
Pie Hole knows how to do pizza the right way—especially when it involves Idaho’s favorite spud. This pizza spot serves up slices and enormous 19-inch pies with all sorts of unique toppings. The star of the show is, hands-down, the Potato/Bacon pizza. Don’t forget to order a side of their ranch! This spot is a favorite among college students, thanks to its fast-casual vibe, affordability, and a menu that caters to both taste and budget.
Bear Island Brewing
Order: Idaho Potato Ale
If you’re a beer lover, Bear Island Brewing is for you! Located inside an old fire station, this Boise gem is not your typical brewery—they have a one-of-a-kind creation, the Idaho Potato Ale. It’s a hoppy, IPA-style brew made with potatoes! And they are the only brewery in the world that has brewed Idaho Potato Ale! Be sure to check them out while on the Boise, Idaho Potato Trail.
Westside Drive In
Order: Famous Idaho Ice Cream Potato
Get your sugar fix at Boise’s iconic Westside Drive In. Here, you cannot miss the famous Idaho Ice Cream Potato. Now you may be wondering, is this ice cream made of potato? Nope! This is a sweet treat that looks like a baked potato smothered in sour cream, but here’s the twist—it’s actually a serving of vanilla ice cream, rolled in cocoa powder, and topped with whipped cream, cookie crumble, and peanuts. Westside Drive In isn’t just a local favorite; it’s a nationally recognized restaurant that has been featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.” They have all sorts of wonderful food, but the main attraction is definitely the Famous Ice Cream Potato!
Boise Fry Co.
Order: Fries and a burger
At Boise Fry Co., the rules of the meal game are deliciously flipped! This isn’t your typical burger joint. At Boise Fry Co., the real stars of the show are the fries! The burgers actually come on the side. Here, you can choose from an array of potato varieties and cuts from classic russets to sweet potatoes, as well as all sorts of different seasonings. You’ll also be able to choose from different sauces—including the one and only famous Idaho Fry Sauce! For burgers, you can choose from bison, beef, or vegan. This is a great lunch or dinner option with two locations in Boise.
We hope you enjoy your adventures on the Boise Idaho®️ Potato Trail! Be sure to sign up for your pass here.